According to Rogers (1997), consequences are the changes that occur to an individual or social system as a result of adopting or rejecting an innovation. Studying consequences is difficult as individuals may not be fully aware of all consequences. Rogers classifies consequences as desirable or undesirable, and direct or indirect. He also discusses the form, function, and meaning of innovations. Rogers states that the goal of diffusion programs is to raise the level of good in a system and distribute it among members. The document provides questions about direct vs. indirect consequences and the three types of equilibrium in social systems.

1. CONSEQUENCES
OF
INNOVATIONS
W F E D 5 9 7 F FA L L 2 0 11
D R . PA S S M O R E
C AT H E R I N E
H AY N E S , C O H 5 0 0 0 @ P S U . E D U ;
C AT H Y 7 8 3 0 @ G M A I L . C O M
CHAPTER 11
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2. CONSEQUENCES OF INNOVATION
Consequences are the changes that
occur an individual or a social
system as a result of the adoption or
rejection of an innovation.
Rogers, E.M. (1997) Diffusion of Innovation, 5th ed., New York: Free Press
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3. STUDYING CONSEQUENCES
Change agencies –often sponsor diffusion
research; assumes that an innovation is needed by
their clients.
Research methods-are less appropriate for
the investigation of innovation consequences than
innovation; extends observation over time.
Difficult to measure-individual often not fully
aware of all the consequences of the adoption
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4. CLASSIFICATION OF CONSEQUENCES
Desirable- consequences are the functional
effects of an innovation .
Undesirable- consequences are the dysfunctional
effects of an innovation
Direct -consequences are the changes occur in
immediate response to the adoption of an
innovation.
Indirect -consequences are the changes occur as
a result of direct consequences adoption of an
innovation.
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5. FORM, FUNCTION, AND MEANING OF AN INNOVATION
 Form-the directly observable physical
appearance and substance of an innovation.
 Function- the contribution made by an
innovation to the way of life.
 Meaning- the subjective and frequently
unconscious perception of innovation
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6. ACHIEVING A DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM
 Stable Equilibrium- occurs there is almost no change to the
structure or functioning of a social system.
 Dynamic Equilibrium- occurs when the rate of change in a
social system occurs at a rate that is commensurate with the
system’s ability to cope with it.
 Disequilibrium- occurs when the rate of change is too rapid to
permit a social system to adjust.
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7. EQUALITY IN THE CONSEQUENCES OF
INNOVATION
 The communication Effects Gap-
Gap-Widening Consequences of
Diffusion of Id nnovation on page 460-461
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8. SUMMARY
According to Rogers (1997) consequences are the
change that occur to an individual or social system as
a result of an adoption or rejection of an innovation.
Consequences as not been studies as much as other
aspects of innovation. Rogers (1997) goes on to say
that one goal of diffusion programs is the raise the
level of good in a system and to distribute that among
members of the system.
Please see the next slide for a few questions about the chapter.
Please answers are due by December 2nd.
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9. QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO CHAPTER 11
1. On page 445-446 of the text, the author refers to direct verses
indirect consequences of innovation. In your experience or
opinion, what is an example of an indirect consequence of an
innovation that you or others may have encounter?
2. Page 452-453 lists stable, dynamic, and disequilibrium as the
three types of equilibrium possible in a social system. Please
give us an example of two of the three (2 of 3) of these.
Remember to post your in the FORUM on between now and December 2 nd.
Send me an email if there are any questions. coh5000@psu.edu or
cathy7830@gmail.com
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